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The Online Magazine FOR and ABOUT Southside Virginia

2/14/2026

Companion planting

   Companion planting is an old idea that is back in the news today. We want to reduce our use of pesticides when we garden, yet not have hungry insects gobble up our hard work.

   Simply defined, companion planting is the interplanting of one crop with another, because of its ability to enhance the other one's growth. We have all been told to plant French Marigolds with vegetables to keep insects away but do we know why? Recently scientists have discovered that the strong smell of the Marigolds confuses the insects and they move on to other gardens for their lunch. Strong smelling herbs can accomplish the same thing and, as a bonus, be added to our recipes as well.

   To make it even easier, the very herbs which enhance the growth, also enhance the flavor of certain vegetables. Here are just a few examples of herbs that you will want to grow with your vegetables:

• Basil - Tomatoes and Peppers
• Chives - Carrots
• Dill - Cabbage
• Horseradish - Potatoes
• Lovage - Improves flavor & growth of all plants
• Nasturtiums - Radishes, Cabbage, Cucumbers
• Parsley - Tomatoes & Asparagus
• Savory - All Beans
• Sage - Strawberries & Tomatoes
• Rosemary - Cabbage, Beans & Carrots

   These are just some of many companion planting ideas. Why not give one or two a try this year? Nothing is prettier than an edging of French Marigolds and Parsley around the vegetable bed, or a row of thick green chives topped with lovely pink blooms. And it's hard not to imagine how good they will taste together when you smell the aroma of Basil as you brush them, while tending your Tomato plants. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

   Submitted by Denise Hudson, of the Halifax Master Gardeners. Previously published in their monthly newsletter,